Broad Strokes
What’s happening in painting right now? That’s the question co-curators Margaret Andera and Michelle Grabner address with the Milwaukee Art Museum’s landmark survey exhibition “50 Paintings,” a collection of works by 50 contemporary artists from around the world.
“The idea of the survey is to move from the storytelling of who the artists are to [instead] tell the story of painting,” Grabner says. “The reason why painting is so absolutely diverse right now … is that it reflects the culture we’re living in.”
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
The paintings were all created within the last five years and range from world-renowned artists at the top of their game to rising stars in the medium. “It’s a moment when, in a way, everything goes, which can make people, curators and critics a little uncomfortable, because there isn’t this one thing to be looking for,” Andera says. “But our premise for the exhibition is [that’s what makes] it exciting.”
The collection has an eight-month run from Nov. 17-June 23. Andera recommends taking advantage of this “gloriously long” showcase by making multiple visits. And she highly recommends paying a visit to “Art, Life, Legacy: Northern European Paintings in the Collection of Isabel and Alfred Bader,” on view Sept. 29-Jan. 28. This show adds a historical perspective to the contemporary exhibition.
“I think that’s going to be a really nice moment to show the continuity of the medium,” Andera says. “Part of the assessment can be: What’s changed over the centuries? And what hasn’t?”
Yippee Ki Yay
NOV. 3-DEC. 2 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The story of world-weary, off-duty policeman John McClane takes to the stage in this production re-imagining the classic ’80s action flick Die Hard as a parody. He’ll fight gunmen led by the villainous Hans Gruber in a skyscraper in an effort to save hostages and get them home for the holidays.
Dial M for Murder
NOV. 14-DEC. 17 | MILWAUKEE REP
A gold-digging husband is trapped in his web of lies leading to passion, blackmail and a chilling revenge story. This play promises to keep you guessing until the bitter end.
School of Rock
NOV. 17-DEC. 30 | BROADWAY THEATRE CENTER’S CABOT THEATRE
No, Jack Black won’t be on stage, but this local production does recreate the hilarious rock musical based on his blockbuster 2003 film. The family-friendly show features failed rockstar turned substitute teacher Dewey Finn as he nurtures the musical talents of his students at a prestigious prep school.
Want more great Milwaukee events? Check out our calendar!
Annual MARN Members Exhibition
NOV. 17-JAN. 7, 2024 | MILWAUKEE ARTIST RESOURCE NETWORK
For more than two decades, Milwaukee’s Artist Resource Network has been connecting and supporting artists. Stop by the MARN Art + Culture Hub in the Historic Third Ward for a sip of coffee or wine, then peruse the glossy gallery showcasing work from members of the network.
Simple Songs
NOV. 19 | CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST
In 2022, Raven Chacon brought Voiceless Mass to the cathedral for Present Music’s annual Thanksgiving concert. That piece, commissioned by Present Music, won Chacon a Pulitzer Prize for Music, making him the first Native American composer to win the award. He’s back this year presenting an older work, Owl Song. The performance features many other pieces as well, including the premiere of a new composition by Milwaukee’s own Brian Packham.
The Mousetrap
NOV. 22-DEC. 17 | NEXT ACT THEATRE
An eccentric young architect, a haughty old pensioner, a retired general, a weary traveler and a mysterious stranger walk into the room. Which one is the murderer? And who will be the next victim? Find out in this twisty thriller play from the mind of Agatha Christie.
